McCoy probably has a good idea of what a torn biceps feels like, given that he suffered the same injury in both 2010 and 2011, his first two seasons in the league. The already lowly Tampa Bay defense can't afford to lose its only real pass-rushing threat, but it appears that's what's going to happen. Expect McCoy to head in for an MRI on Monday, with the Buccaneers revealing the extent of his injury soon thereafter.

Hargreaves (hamstring) is listed as out for Sunday's Week 13 battle against the Packers.

Hargreaves will be absent from the Buccaneers' defensive backfield for a third consecutive contest. Brent Grimes, Ryan Smith and Robert McClain are once again slated to serve as the top three cornerbacks against a Brett Hundley-helmed passing attack that 245 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 12 loss to the Steelers.

McDonald (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's tilt against the Lions, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

McDonald will now miss his second consecutive game after suffering a back injury in Week 12 against the Falcons. He's logged just 18 tackles in 11 games this season, so his absence won't have much of an impact on the Buccaneers' defensive front as long as Gerald McCoy and Chris Baker remain healthy.

Robinson (hamstring) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Robinson isn't quite ready to return after also missing last week's loss to the Packers due to a hamstring injury. Primarily used on special teams, Robinson's absence doesn't have much of an impact on the Buccaneers' defense at this point.

Ward (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Ward was unable to practice throughout the week, as he's remained in the league's concussion protocol since suffering the head injury against the Falcons in Week 12. His next chance to return will come in Week 15 against Atlanta at home, while Keith Tandy figures to start at free safety during Ward's absence.

Smith drew another start with Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring) still sidelined, and he was able to parlay the opportunity into the second-highest tackle total of his young career. The second-year defensive back has proven he can wrap up consistently, but he hasn't been nearly as successful in getting his hands on the ball. Smith has just three passes defensed and no interceptions this season and has seen plenty of playing time recently on a unit that was torched by Julio Jones for 253 yards Sunday and that allows a league-high 285.0 passing yards per contest.

Fleming was signed to the Buccaneers' practice squad Tuesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming was with the team in training camp and recorded two tackles in the second preseason contest against the Jaguars. The rookie posted 78 tackles (63 solo), one interception, 15 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery over 27 college games. Fellow corner David Rivers was released from the practice squad to make room for Fleming.